Personal finance experts have issued a new warning after a string of text and email scams around the Winter Fuel Payment. Earlier this year, the Winter Fuel Payment was reinstated for millions of pensioners after it had previously been changed to a means-tested benefit, which cut the number of recipients from around 11 million to just 1.3 million.
Experts are warning that scammers are trying to take advantage of confusion surrounding the benefit and the process for receiving payments. MoneySuperMarket Energy has found several variants of the scam, with text messages purporting to be from the Department for Work and Pensions, non-existent Department of Pensions – or the fictitious ‘Department of Energy’.
As part of the phishing scam, victims are told they are eligible for a payment but must register by a certain date either by text or clicking a link within the text or email. The link goes to a fake website that is designed to steal personal and financial information.
However, most people receive the Winter Fuel Payment automatically and do not need to make a claim or provide any personal or banking information.
According to Citizens Advice around 9 million people fell victim to financial scams in 2024. Laura Hinton from MoneySuperMarket Energy said: « We’re urging everyone to be on high alert for scams targeting energy bill support this winter. Fraudsters are exploiting any uncertainty around how people will receive help with their energy costs, and we’re seeing a particular focus on Winter Fuel Payments – which may put older people at greater risk.
« But it’s important to remember that anyone can be targeted. Scammers are using increasingly sophisticated tactics, and their emails and texts can look very convincing at first glance. As we head into the colder months, we expect a rise in scam messages about energy bills. Our advice is simple: always double-check the source before clicking on any links in emails or texts, and if in doubt, don’t engage. Staying vigilant is the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones. »
MoneySuperMarket’s Tips to Protect Yourself from Scammers
- Do not click on links in unexpected text messages or emails, especially if the message is about government payments.
- Do not give out your personal information or financial details in response to a colder caller, unsolicited email, text message or request online.
- Never give debit or credit card numbers, PIN codes, or other personal information in response to a cold caller, unsolicited email, text or online request. A genuine bank or official organisation will never contact you unsolicited and ask you for your security codes, banking details, password, or to move money into another account.
- Keep on top of security updates on your mobile device, laptop or PC.
- Never let somebody talk you into downloading software to your device or to log on to your computer or tablet remotely.
- Keep a close eye on your bank and card statements, and if you see any suspicious transactions, contact your bank immediately.
